June 9, 2024 | Issue 49

Get Ready for a New Year

In three weeks a new Rotary year will be upon us. While I'm sure this will not be my most compelling column, I believe it contains some important information and reminders as we prepare for that new year.

Effective governance and operation of our clubs, as well as the District, is critical in executing our mission. Making lasting change in our communities, local, regional, and global requires planning, execution, and stewardship of our members' time, talent and treasure.

The first key item to address involves money, and now that I have your attention, please update your membership information for completeness and accuracy. This MUST be completed prior to June 30. Your club Treasurer will be receiving an invoice from Rotary International as well as the District in early July. The amount is determined by the number of members on your rolls.

It is important that your club’s member information is up to date, because Rotary cannot change the club invoice after it has been generated or accept membership updates with your payment.     

Also, please pay these invoices as soon as practical.

There are consequences that create issues. I understand that it sometimes seems that the District raises a "five alarm" response to late and unpaid dues. Recently a club in our District had their charter revoked for non-payment after receiving many reminders. That is as undesirable as it gets for all involved.

If you ever have any questions, or if you are simply not sure, there are many District resources available. Start with your Assistant Governor.

Please make sure all of your incoming club officer info is correct, in DacDB and Rotary.org.

If your club holds events that involve the public in any way, as volunteers or participants, please review the information at the end of the newsletter about the Rotary International insurance program. Thanks to Jim Register, RC Mandarin, District Insurance Representative.

Complete your goal tracking in Rotary Club Central. I'd be thrilled to see a parade of clubs who achieve the Rotary Citation at our next District Event.

Also complete your giving to the Rotary Foundation before year end. You may be surprised to learn that nearly half of all Rotarians, and a disappointing number of clubs, make no contribution to the Rotary Foundation. Your giving provides the funds that your clubs use in the form of District and Global Grants. It is also critical to the execution of projects that fulfill needs in all Areas of Focus, not to mention the final push in the eradication of Polio.

I was recently at a meeting where Foundation Chair and former RI President, Barry Rassin told us that if every Rotarian gave as little as $100 annually, the Foundation could double the amount of giving in grants.

Hold your June Board of Directors Meeting with both outgoing and incoming members. Schedule a strategic planning meeting, if you haven't already, to celebrate your accomplishments and determine your priorities for the new year.

And finally, If you have a year-end event, celebration, installation banquet, change of command, etc., there are many members from District leadership that would be honored to attend or assist in any way.

You can imagine the dance card is filling up quickly (I received some requests nearly a year ago!), but please invite your outgoing and incoming Assistant Governor, as well as any member of the current DG Corps, or Past District Governor group.

I look forward to seeing many of you over the remaining weeks. It is always an exciting time of the year.

John Tabor

District Governor

DISTRICT CALENDAR

August 10, 2024

Rotary Learning Institute

Sante Fe College

Gainesville, FL

Together, we see a world where people unite

and take action to create lasting change - across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

Membership Action Plan Seminar

The Greatest Hits from 2023-24

Monday, June 10 6:00 PM EDT

The Membership Action Plan (MAP) Webinar series is for club leaders just like you. Hundreds of club leaders have been getting proven, actionable strategies and ideas for membership growth every month, and keep coming back.

It's a monthly "bite-sized" view of a single "best practice" for club membership success. If you miss the monthly broadcast at 6 pm on the first Monday of each month, recordings are available on the MAP Web Page.

The upcoming June 10th broadcast is a digest of the "Best of" the 2023-24 Season. 

The Rotary Club of Deland is excited to announce this year’s Bowling for Literacy event will be on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at the Sunshine Bowling Center, DeLand.

This fun tournament raises money for the Literacy Project conducted by all West Volusia Rotary Clubs and the DeLand Rotaract Club. Proceeds are used to purchase dictionaries for Volusia County third-grade students.

If you’d like to be a sponsor, donate items to our silent auction, or participate, please contact Kevin Crager at (407) 702-4635 or explosivek9@gmail.com, and Jeanne Stratis at (386) 233-0243 or jstratis@yahoo.com for more information!

https://www.delandrotary.org/Stories/bowling-for-literacy-2024

Meet your District Leadership

Bo Norton

District Governor Nominee Designate

RC Orange Park

Past President

Rotarian 8 years

Howard (Bo) Norton joined the Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise in 2016 and later transferred to the Rotary Club of Orange Park where he served as President (2022 /23).   During this time, Bo became a Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) Discussion Leader, was appointed RLI District Chair in July 2023 and selected as District Governor Nominee Designate (DGND) in November 2023.  Bo is a Paul Harris Fellow and a member of the Paul Harris Society.

Prior to moving to Florida, Bo served for 27 years with the US Navy flying P-3s where he held several aviation commands in addition to various staff tours.  After retiring from the Navy, he helped start several small businesses before becoming a senior executive in the satellite services industry.  During this time, Bo was also involved with Scouting where he served in many advisory positions including Troop Scoutmaster and Eagle Scout Advisor.

In addition to his Rotary involvement, Bo chaired the Citizens Advisory Committee for the NE Florida Regional Transportation Planning Organization and the Clay County Quadrennial Charter Review Commission while continuing to serve as a member of the Clay County Planning Commission.

Bo holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Marquette University, a MBA from Roosevelt University and a MA from the Naval War College.  He and his wife Colette reside in Orange Park and are blessed with two sons and their families which include three grandchildren.  

Bo will serve as District Governor in the 2026 - 2027 Rotary year.

Rotary International Risk Management would like to highlight the following items to incoming club leadership:

Liquor Liability: The 2024-25 general liability insurance policy provides liquor liability coverage for bodily injury or property damage to a third party arising out of the selling or serving alcoholic beverages. If a liquor license is required, your club must obtain the license before your event in order to maintain liquor liability coverage. Apply early with your local government, as this allows time for review, as well as the possibility that your application could require revision.

Waivers and Releases: When registering participants or volunteers for events such as car shows, parades, and 5K runs (et cetera), request that they sign a waiver and release agreement, commonly referred to as a waiver. Participation should be contingent upon signing your waiver, as this helps protect your club if a participant or volunteer is injured or their personal property is damaged. Your waiver should inform participants and volunteers of the risks associated with your event, and should release from liability your club, your foundation, and any other party involved in organizing it. A legal professional in your club or in your community should be able to assist with drafting your waiver.

Severe Weather: The increasing prevalence of severe weather also increases the potential for bodily injury or property damage at events. Clubs often use tents for protection against inclement weather or for vendor stalls. Strong winds are capable of lifting tents or bounce houses if they are not correctly installed. In setting up tents or bounce houses, ensure that the structure is anchored to the ground and secured with heavy weights or sandbags. Also consider renting tents or bounce houses from reputable vendors that will safely install and remove the structure.

Volunteers: Many clubs rely on volunteers when hosting large events. If your event utilizes volunteers, ensure that your club is properly training them and providing appropriate equipment and personal protective gear. Volunteers are expected to carry their own health insurance, as the Program does not provide accident coverage for volunteers or members injured while working on behalf of the club. Accident coverage may be purchased to cover injuries to volunteers or members, and a licensed insurance professional should be able to assist your club.

Incoming Club Presidents will receive credentials to access the US Rotary Insurance Portal in July. Please see https://my.rotary.org/en/us-rotary-club-and-district-liability-insurance-program for additional information and resources.

The District Insurance Representative is Jim Register of RC Mandarin. He can be reached at jim.register.g2k4@statefarm.com for questions or assistance.